October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Very fine specimen of the French Chauchat machine gun. Produced quickly often using rifle barrels on hand when the French realized they were behind on having automatic rifles, this model saw widespread use during World War 1, and subsequently many were sold to Finland after the war when the French updated their machine gun models. Hence many specimens seen in this country have "SA" markings. This specimen does not, and might well be a bring-back gun by a U.S. Soldier. Marked “C.S.R.G.” with matching numbered upper and lower receivers. Includes one original magazine.
CONDITION: Overall appearance and finish is about 60% original blue finish turning a brown patina and otherwise thinning to a gray patina. Magazine mostly a gray patina Charging handle knob out of round on both front and back sides but still serviceable. Wood furnishings have some light handling marks, and exhibit a coat of shiny varnish, but are really in very nice condition and are very attractive. Bore is very fine with some light frosting in the grooves. Bolt is extremely fine. Chamber very clean. This gun was obviously well cared for, and mechanics are crisp. A very nice specimen of a very widely used and historic WW1 machine gun. THIS IS A NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT ITEM AND REQUIRES BATF APPROVAL PRIOR TO TRANSFER. THIS ITEM IS FULLY TRANSFERABLE ON AN ATF FORM 3 OR 4 AS CURIO AND RELILC ELIGIBLE. JWK 18-82